-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Residents along the Gulf Coast continue to get pounded by heavy winds and unrelenting rain from Tropical Depression Isaac , an eerie reminder of Hurricane Katrina , which pummeled the Gulf Coast seven years ago .

Hurricane safety when the lights go out

Relief organizations are on the ground , providing food and shelter for those displaced from their homes .

`` We 're still very much in the middle of a major storm , '' said Daphne Hart , a Red Cross spokeswoman . `` The flooding is a huge concern . ''

The Red Cross has deployed 2,400 disaster workers from Florida to Texas . On Wednesday night , more than 4,700 people spent the night in one of 80 shelters open across seven states .

`` We have nearly 200 emergency response vehicles that have been prepositioned in safe areas along the Gulf Coast , '' Hart said . `` And as soon as it 's safe to do so , those vehicles as well as disaster assessment teams will be canvassing the area , trying to determine what the needs are .

`` It could be anything from serving people hot meals as they 're in their home trying to clean up , distributing clean-up kits with items such as rakes , shovels , gloves and trash bags , and just trying to get people back on their feet . ''

To assist the Red Cross in its efforts , you can donate by visiting the website , calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting `` REDCROSS '' to 90999 to make a $ 10 donation .

If you or a loved one are in one of the affected areas , you can also let people know you are safe by registering on the Red Cross ' Safe and Well page .

The Salvation Army is building up emergency response teams and supplies in affected areas along the Gulf Coast . It has 24 mobile feeding units and a 54-foot field kitchen that can provide up to 31,000 meals .

The organization has already provided 3,000 meals , 20,000 drinks and counseling to those in need .

Keep a hurricane preparation checklist

Along with providing food and water for storm victims , the Salvation Army will be on hand to assist in long-term recovery .

`` Once the storm passes , folks are going to need to get back into their homes . They 're going to need to start the long journey of repairing and replacing the damage that 's been done by the storm , '' said Maj. Terry Ray , Mississippi Gulf Coast area commander . `` The Salvation Army comes in with cleaning kits and supplies .

`` During that time , the Salvation Army mobile kitchens will continue to roll out . We 'll do it as long as people need us . We will continue to feed and roll out cleaning supplies and materials so people can get back to where they were before the disaster hit . ''

If you would like to help those affected by this disaster , you can visit the website , call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or text the word `` STORM '' to 80888 to make a $ 10 donation that will show up on your next phone bill .

Operation Blessing International is assessing the damage in Plaquemines Parish and will be serving hot meals to people in St. Bernard Parish .

Their mobile command center includes a mobile kitchen , two construction trailers full of equipment , and tools and clean-up supplies for more than 100 volunteers .

The organization will be asking for volunteers once the storm passes to aid in relief efforts including debris removal and roof repair .

If you would like to volunteer , visit the website or call 757-374-0944 for more information .

AmeriCares has delivered family emergency kits and cleaning supplies to Mississippi families affected by the storm . The relief supplies include household cleaning kits , mops and family emergency kits , which contain tote bags stocked with soap , shampoo , toothbrushes and other personal care items .

The kits are being distributed by the Salvation Army in Gulfport .

To help AmeriCares with its disaster response , visit the website to make a donation or sign up to be a volunteer .

Direct Relief International has distributed ready-to-use hurricane preparedness packs to 20 clinics in the path of the storm . The packs contain enough medicine and medical supplies to treat up to 100 people for three to five days .

Its Emergency Response Team is closely monitoring the storm , and more than 85 health clinics in five states have been contacted about their medical supply needs .

Visit the website to assist in relief efforts .

Links , tips and resources for hurricane preparation

Operation USA is providing emergency aid to the New Orleans area and the Mississippi Gulf Coast . The organization is assessing shelter , food , clothing and other needs .

To help , visit the website , call 1-800-678-7255 or text `` AID '' to 50555 to donate $ 10 to disaster relief efforts .

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Tropical Depression Isaac has dumped up to 20 inches of rain in some areas

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Close to a million people are without power in four states

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Relief organizations are on the ground , and there are ways you can help